Melbourne, Nov. 9 -- Former world No. 1 Test batter Marnus Labuschagne has been dropped from Australia's squad for the upcoming crucial four-match ICC World Test Championship series against New Zealand, following a prolonged dip in form in the longest format.

Australia have taken an early call on Labuschagne's immediate future, with selection chair George Bailey confirming that the right-handed batter will not be part of the team's plans for the upcoming trans-Tasman series, which begins in Perth on December 9, according to the ICC website.

Labuschagne has struggled to deliver consistent performances in recent months, managing just 131 runs across six innings in Australia's recent three-match series against South Africa.

The 32-year-ol...